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With June in full swing, Arizona residents welcome summertime pool parties, barbeques, trips down the Salt River, and lazy days on the boat. Along with summertime games, entertainment and parties also comes beer, wine and cocktails. Before you go, designate a trusted friend to be your sober driver and ensure you are safe on the road this summer.
Arizona has extremely strict laws regarding DUI and DWI violations, so in order to keep yourself safe and others on the road, always stay acutely aware of how much you have had to drink and ditch the keys if your intake is even a question in your mind. Whether you need a cab, Uber, designated driver or find yourself asking to crash on the couch, it is always better to hand over the keys.
If you are new to Arizona or unfamiliar with our DUI laws, read along to find out what you need to know before you RSVP “yes” to any event.
Types of DUIs in Arizona and penalties
Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and illegal in the state of Arizona. Harsh penalties often follow a conviction, especially if you are representing yourself in the court of law.
DUI penalties differ depending on driving circumstances, if anyone else was impacted, the level of alcohol found in your system (blood alcohol content), prior offences and more. Penalties can include but are not limited to: fines, jail time, mandatory completion of an alcohol or drug abuse program, and suspension/revocation of your driver’s license.
1. Standard DUI
- Blood alcohol content = 0.08%+
- Blood alcohol content driving a commercial vehicle= 0.04%+
- Any percentage of alcohol in an individual under 21 years
Penalties for a first offence include:
- 10 days jail time
- A fine of $1,250 or more
- Mandatory completion of a drug/alcohol treatment and prevention program
- Potential for an ignition interlock system to be installed in vehicle
- Potential community service
Penalties for a second offence include:
- 90 days jail time
- A fine of $3,000 or more
- Mandatory completion of a drug/alcohol treatment and prevention program
- Ignition interlock installation in vehicle
- Community service
2. Extreme DUI
- Blood alcohol content = 0.15%+
Penalties for a first offence include:
- 30 days (or more) jail time
- Minimum $3,000 fine
- Mandatory completion of a drug/alcohol treatment and prevention program
- Ignition interlock installation in vehicle
- Community service
Penalties for a second offence (or recurring):
- 120 days (or more) jail time
- Minimum $3,250 fine
- Mandatory completion of a drug/alcohol treatment and prevention program
- Ignition interlock installation in vehicle
- Community service
3. Aggravated DUI
- DUI committed while individual is driving on a revoked, suspended or cancelled license
- 3rd offence within 84 months
- DUI committed while an individual is driving with a child under the age of 15 present
Penalties include:
- 2 year prison sentence
- License revocation for 1 year or more
- Mandatory completion of a drug/alcohol treatment and prevention program
- Ignition interlock installation in vehicle
- Community service
Any amount of alcohol consumed before driving a vehicle is too much in the state of Arizona and elsewhere. Always take a ride from a sober driver or contact a taxi company and get a safe ride home after a fun event in the summer months and beyond.
If you have found yourself in need of legal representation for a DUI or DWI related charge, contact a local Phoenix DUI lawyer if you have been arrested for a standard, aggravated or extreme DUI, talk to the Phoenix DUI lawyers about the potential penalties you may be facing. Call us at (602) 252-2570 or contact us online today for a FREE consultation!